Press Releases, 6/12/2014 | Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Finland pledges 2 Million Euros for Stop Rape Now initiative

Pekka Haavisto, Minister for International Development, Finland, stresses the importance of women’s participation in political processes in stopping sexual violence and building sustainable peace

Finland has today announced that it has made a substantial contribution of 2 Million euros to UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict “Stop Rape Now” initiative, led by UN Special Representative Zainab Bangura. The initiative helps rape victims and looks for ways to put an end to sexual violence.

Minister Haavisto was speaking today in London at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, co-chaired by The Foreign Secretary William Hague and Angelina Jolie, Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The Summit is the largest gathering ever brought together on the subject, with a view to creating irreversible momentum against sexual violence in conflict and practical action impacting those on the ground.

“Women play a crucial role in prevention of violence and building sustainable peace. The world’s first democratically elected female politicians entered the Finnish parliament in 1907, and since then women have made a tremendous contribution to Finland’s peace, stability, welfare and prosperity. We strongly feel that it is our duty to promote women’s participation and active role in political processes, peace and state building around the world”, says Minister Haavisto.